Shiro Studio's 3D-printed walking stick combats the stigma of mobility aids. ENEA is the result of comprehensive research and a collaborative project focused on developing an innovative walking stick.
ENEA invites its users to establish an emotional connection with the walking stick, seen as a functional, proud and contemporary design statement rather than an unavoidable manifestation of their physical limitations. ENEA is the first fully 3D printed walking stick and its structure, which the studio describe as "porous", keeps the stick as lightweight as possible, while retaining a high level of strength.
Shiro Studio has worked with engineering firm Arup to create a 3D-printed walking stick that its hope users will be proud to use, rather than embarrassed. The three-axis handle geometry allows the stick to rest vertically on the floor without any additional support. This in turn allows the user to engage in parallel activities without the worry of the stick falling down and having to reach to floor level – a particular problematic scenario for elderly or mobility challenged users.
"It proposes a range of design innovations to improve comfort and handling whilst promoting a contemporary design language and manufacturing technique."
